Is river access important when buying a home in New Braunfels?

The sweet spot for locals is May, early June, and September through October — warm enough to be comfortable, crowds are manageable, and the river is at its most beautiful. July and August are peak season with maximum crowds but also maximum energy. For the quietest experience, weekday mornings before 9 a.m. any time from May through October. The river is technically floatable year-round at 72 degrees but commercial operations slow or close from November through March.

A typical tube float on the Comal from put-in to take-out runs 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels and how often you stop. The river is approximately 2.5 miles. The commercial outfitters run shuttle buses back to the start so you don't need to arrange your own vehicle shuttle.

The Comal is shorter, gentler, and spring-fed at a constant 72 degrees — the classic family tubing river. The Guadalupe is longer, more variable, and offers more terrain ranging from flat canyon water near Gruene to genuine Class I-II rapids further upstream. First-timers and families with kids start on the Comal. More experienced floaters and kayakers graduate to the Guadalupe.

Basic comfort in water is strongly recommended, but the Comal is shallow enough in many sections that you can stand up if you need to. Life jackets are available from all tube rental operators and are required for children. Non-swimmers or weak swimmers should wear a life jacket regardless of age and stay on sections of the river with lifeguard coverage during commercial operating hours.